Members of the 3D printing industry have put their heads together and created products that are of valuable support during the coronavirus crisis.

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Over seven days, 300 engineers and medical researchers joined together to design and produce a ventilator prototype using 3D printed materials and other items.

With ventilators in short supply around the world, this design could pave the way for mass production.

The group called the Open Source COVID19 Medical Supplies community is also working to design other in-demand products such as masks and sanitisers.

The ventilator is now entering a validation process by the Ireland’s health regulatory board, the Irish Health Services Executive (HSE). While this will mean the ventilators will only be available for use in Ireland, the approval will open up the doors for the prototype to be used in other countries.

We are proud to see the 3D printing community come together to immediately print approved designs of objects that hospitals need right now”

In another area of the 3D printing community, Dutch 3D printing firm Ultimaker has opened up its global network of 3D printing hubs, experts and designers to hospitals in need.

Hospitals that are facing shortages of critical equipment and parts can access approved 3D print designs and connect with 3D printing sources locally to access what they need.

Siert Wijnia, co-founder of Ultimaker says: “Hospital equipment parts might break or hospitals may run out of particular tools, for example. We are proud to see the 3D printing community come together to immediately print approved designs of objects that hospitals need right now.”